Story of the Year No. 5: B.C. wildfires gave us a smoky summer to remember

The city skyline is obscured by smoke from fires in British Columbia but that doesn't discourage Malcolm Redpath, 4, from Nova Scotia from having fun on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018 in Edmonton.Greg Southam Greg Southam / Greg Southam

In 2016, the Fort McMurray wildfire caused several days of smoke-filled air to envelope the city, but this year was much worse. Massive fires, mostly in British Columbia and in the U.S. Pacific Northwest caused weeks of smoky air that threatened summer festivals and a multitude of outdoor activities.

By the end of the summer, according to Environment Canada statistics, the city experienced a longer period of smoke than in any previous year.

While photographers were able to capture some incredible shots after the smoke caused darkened, sometimes eerily red skies, it didn’t make for a particularly enticing summer to be outside.

Alberta Health Services was constantly updating the air quality index, which was terrible for much of August.

Youth sporting events and other outdoor activities were compromised and nearly everybody, particularly the young and old, were warned to stay indoors if possible to avoid the sometimes choking smoke.

While many events like the Edmonton Airshow and the Edmonton Marathon were able to operate with some minor adjustments, many people likely chose to forego picnics or other outdoor fun to avoid the smoke.

For the Edmonton Eskimos, the smoke was a major concern. Ahead of an August game against the Montreal Alouettes that eventually went ahead as planned, the league, players and coaches were worried about practising in the smoke.

“If we’re not allowed to practice out in it right now and if it doesn’t get any better, I don’t know what else we’re going to do,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas at the time.

But maybe the scariest thought about the smoky summer is that things could be getting worse.

Current projections from various researchers and government agencies forecast even warmer, drier conditions across the country, creating the perfect catalyst for more wildfires in the future.

If that’s the case, summers with smoke in the air may no longer make our top story lists. It might just be the new normal.